So this time of year is usually a time when most people think of doing service for others. We usually wait until the holiday's to think about what we could do to help our family, friends, and neighbors. But why do we do that? Why can't it be an all year thing. With my current calling in my church as compassionate service leader over pregnancy's I have the wonderful opportunity to make this and all year event. I get the phone calls from the ladies who are pregnant and heaven forbid have a problem or complication and I get to help assist them in getting what they need. This last week I had two. One of my neighbors who is 7 mo preggo was in a car accident! And while she didn't sustain any serious injury to her or the baby she did have some contractions on the day of the accident and then was just stiff for a while. And then another girl due the same day as the other one fractured her foot. And so it was hard for her to get up and around. So I got to call people to line up dinner for them for a few days. I love helping others and I love getting others involved.
And then I had two ladies who had babies in November. And I get the wonderful opportunity of bringing the first dinner when they arrive home from the hospital. I love this because I get the first peak at the baby's!! That's why I love this calling. But it extends even farther than just the church. My new neighbors across the hall from me are from India and they are expecting their first baby! And I thought well why couldn't I use my resources to help them also. So I have put out the word to help get some baby items for them as well. And we plan on helping them with meals when they get home from the hospital. The other thing we have been able to help them with is driving them to the store when they need a ride. The husband is taking driving lessons now but in the mean time we help out when we can. We have introduced them to the DI to get things like a T.V.
And all of this gets me thinking why I wasn't doing it before it became a "calling". I mean I don't think of it as a chore now because I find pleasure in helping others, but why wasn't I thinking of others before like this. And I realized it was because I was so wrapped up in my own life. I would dread getting the e-mails about someone needing dinner. I would delete it before even reading it. I would think it was so hard to plan a meal and then walk it the 50 feet or so to my neighbor's house. But now I think of it as Ok I'm making chicken in my crock pot so I'll just add a few more chicken breasts so I case I need a dinner for some one it's already there. And I heard a great thing at church yesterday. When your grocery shopping buy one can for you and one for your neighbor just in case you find some one who might need extra food. And why not, why couldn't you do that. If you are not able maybe your the one needing the extra food then think of other ways to serve. I also pass along clothes that my boys wear out to others who may not be able afford new clothes. I mean why not give perfectly good clothes to those who need it.
And I want you to know this is not a post to say how great I am at helping others. It is my way of hoping to inspire you to get out there and find ways to serve. And not just at Christmas time. People need help all year and if you have the resources you should get out there and help!! Even if it's a small effort of just saying Hi to some one new and making a new friend, or listening to a friend. Everyone is capable of helping someone!! You will never feel better about yourself then when you forget yourself and think of others! Now I encourage you to go out and find ways to help others and then post in on my comments section we can all use a little inspiration form you all!
